Photofile

The
Arabian leopard is much smaller and lighter in colour than its African
and Asian counterparts. This highly endangered species is the subject
of intensive conservation efforts in the UAE. The Arabian Leopard
Trust was set up in 1993 with the aim of protecting the leopard
and its mountainous habitat in particular, and conserving indigenous
Arabian wildlife in general  particularly the large predators
of the mountainous regions.

Hunting and depletion of food sources have made the Arabian leopard
one of the rarest animals in the world. Further research and international
co-operation, along with captive breeding programmes are essential
if the Arabian leopard is to be saved from extinction.

In January 2000, two female Arabian leopard cubs were born at the
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in Sharjah. This
was the third litter of cubs born at the Centre and the first with
two cubs. There are now a total of four surviving offspring born
at the Centre. These animals will not be ready to breed until they
are at least two years of age, but the fact that they are females
has helped to redress the surplus of males within the captive breeding
population.